NexTraq, the value leader of GPS fleet tracking and vehicle management solutions, today announces proven fleet tracking capabilities and benefits to the emergency medical service (EMS) industry. By integrating the NexTraq Fleet Tracking platform into fleet operations, EMS dispatchers provide more accurate arrival times in an industry where timing is critical. The Fleet Dispatch application, which leverages Garmin technology, enables EMS professionals to find the closest vehicle to emergency situations, providing easier communications between the dispatch and field.
“Route optimization and accurate arrival times translate to patient and employee safety, both paramount in the EMS industry,” states Mike Scarbrough, CEO of NexTraq. “In emergency situations, it’s crucial to efficiently and easily track emergency vehicles so dispatchers can identify the shortest or most direct route to a call or hospital.”
By utilizing Fleet Dispatch, Lifeguard Ambulance Service, a full-service fleet ambulance company that provides ground operations through the southeast region of the U.S., was able to safely rescue storm victims and provide emergency service during two natural disasters – Hurricane Irene and the devastating tornados in Alabama.
“With the incredible damage done to the cities, road signs and points of reference had been decimated. The NexTraq Fleet Tracking platform enabled our team to navigate to emergency situations to provide life-saving care,” states Jeff Waid, director of communication and quality improvement for Lifeguard Ambulance Service.
Not only does the application identify the best routes, it also helps drivers on out-of-town trips when they are transporting patients in unfamiliar areas. Waid adds, “The dispatch functionality gives our drivers and employees peace of mind.”
In addition to increased driver productivity through route optimization and reduced workload for fleet dispatchers, the fleet tracking platform has often resulted in reduced insurance premiums. Eagle Medical Service, a leading ambulatory service in the Memphis, Tenn. and Jackson, Tenn. areas, was able to switch insurance providers and receive substantial discounts based on the fact the company could monitor its vehicles and driver behavior.
“The NexTraq platform will pay for itself three times over in the first year,” states Larry Riedel, operations manager of Eagle Medical Service. “After the first half of the year, we are seeing a pure profit from the solution.”
Growth and customer service also are enhanced when EMS companies implement the NexTraq Fleet Tracking Platform. In fact, Eagle Medical Service has been able to maintain tremendous growth due to the solution. The company went from 14 calls in a month, to more than 1,300 calls in a month, while winning repeat business, due to accurate arrival times provided from customer service to patients.
“Being a customer-centric company, it’s always important, and a pleasure, to hear how our solution benefits our customers,” states Scarbrough. “The fact we can assist these companies with their life-saving efforts is extremely rewarding.”
For more information on the NexTraq Fleet Tracking platform and its offerings for the EMS industry, please visit www.nextraq.com/ems or call 800-358-6178.
